Kyle Wellwood making most of opportunity since returning to Winnipeg Jets lineup

Winnipeg Sun | Mar 14

Slowly but surely, Kyle Wellwood seems to be rounding into form.

After managing only two assists in 15 games to start his second season with the Winnipeg Jets, Wellwood found himself in the press box as a healthy scratch for four consecutive contests.

To be frank, Wellwood looked nothing like the player that was one of the most pleasant surprises for the Jets one season earlier, when he produced 18 goals and 47 points and earned a new one-year contract.

But an injury to Anthony Peluso opened the door for Wellwood to return to the Jets’ lineup and he scored in his first game back.

Then after playing well in three games but failing to register a point, Wellwood had a goal and an assist in Tuesday’s 5-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs.

“It’s always a challenge,” said Wellwood, when asked about sitting out. “For me, I’ve been at a level in the NHL where I’m happy with my play and what I focus on is trying to get there. When you’re not at that level, you want to get to that level where you’re having success.

“You can’t focus on if you’re in the press box, where you’re playing or how many minutes you’re getting, you have to let your game develop and go from there. I’ve been happy with my game the last three or four weeks. It’s just a lot better feeling and you know it when you’re playing well.”